05/29/2013

The 19th century gothic revival style of Southeast Light on Block Island had me thinking of you Helen (though this view doesn't show off its full 19th century drama). We went on a tour of it Sunday. We also got a very cool (to construction enthusiasts) video about its removal to safety from the edge of the bluffs.

05/28/2013

The friendly owners of the new Darius Inn invited us out to see renovations. I am delighted to be part of the Art Gallery there. As the rooms weren't quite ready yet they put us up at the Blue Dory accross the Street which was all Victorian charm.

We are looking forward to staying at the Darius, in one of their suites with a kitchenette and a portch(!), which will have a very appealing Wes Anderson sort of (contemporary-retro??) decorative theme.

05/25/2013

We are vacationing on Block Island for the weekend. This morning I stumbled accross photos from another trip there, with friends. -Sarah, of course its for you! Got a little carried away with Ray's curls but who could hold that against me!

05/22/2013

16"x20", oil on cradled panel. These cityscapes feel forced to me compared with the florals. But I want to give myself a chance to find a playful attitude with the cityscapes which might mean putting up with some discomfort for the time being. But if the discomfort keeps me out of the studio, as it has for the last several days, then maybe its not such a good idea? Ahh, well...

05/20/2013

In a conversation with Louis Aragon, Matisse spoke of his
search for "the briefest possible indication of the character of a thing.” I am
light years away from that but the idea is exciting and encourages a shift in approach. Its in keeping with recent conversations I have been having in class
and with Elizabeth, who saw this idea on display in a Quentin Blake exhibition in April. I think she is employing it with thrilling results in her recent paintings .

Tonight
the Weaver Library will be screening MATISSE: PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST, a film by Didier Baussy at 6:30PM. Afterwards their will be a brief
discussion which I will facilitate with my usual grace and enthusiasm. Please
come and share your thoughts.

05/16/2013

16"x20", oil on cradled panel.After yesterday's watercolor class I had a great conversation with another artist about how paintings can be more interesting the more that is left to the imagination. Back in the studio I asked myself, on her advice, "How little can I do to express my ideas here?" and tried to stop before I thought I was finished so as to leave more room for the viewer to get in there and play.